Richard “Beebo” Russell (1989-2018) was a 28-year-old ground service agent for Horizon Air, a subsidiary of Alaska Airlines. He was a baggage handler and ground crew member, a job that placed him on the tarmac but never in the cockpit. Described as a quiet, kind, and hardworking individual, Russell was a beloved figure among his coworkers and community. Married and deeply rooted in his faith, he lived a life that, on the surface, seemed unremarkable.
He was described as a friendly, outgoing individual who was well-liked by coworkers and active in his community, particularly as a leader in the Christian youth ministry Young Life.

He met his wife, Hannah, in college, and together they ran a bakery in Oregon before moving to Sumner, Washington, to be closer to her family. Russell joined Horizon Air in 2015, a job that provided free-flight benefits, allowing him to visit his family in Alaska. He graduated cum laude with a degree in social sciences from Washington State University in 2017 and aspired to pursue a management role or join the military.

Despite having no formal pilot training, no criminal record – Russell stole an empty Q400 Turbo-Jet aircraft, took off without clearance, and flew for about 75 minutes over Puget Sound, performing impressive maneuvers, including a barrel roll, while communicating with air traffic control (ATC). His conversations revealed a mix of enthusiasm, fear, and resignation, with statements like, “I’m just a broken guy, got a few screws loose, I guess,” hinting at mental health struggles. He expressed concerns about the planes fuel levels, legal consequences, and disappointing loved ones, ultimately crashing the plane intentionally on the sparsely populated Ketron Island, where he died. The FBI ruled the incident a suicide, finding no evidence of accomplices or terrorist motives. Some family and friends speculated that undiagnosed chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) from concussions sustained during his high school and college football years may have contributed to his actions.

Russell’s story resonated widely, earning him the “Sky King” moniker in online communities, where he was seen by some as a tragic folk hero. His actions sparked discussions about mental health, workplace conditions (he had complained about low wages), and airport security.

Richard Russell’s story as the Sky King remains a poignant chapter in aviation history. His unauthorized flight in a stolen Horizon Air Q400 on August 10, 2018, captivated the world. As one Youtuber commented, “Better to be a King for the Day than a schmuck for a lifetime,” capturing the bittersweet sentiment of Russell’s fleeting, defiant act of freedom over a life of quiet struggle.